G4C awards shortlist revealed

A North East awards ceremony is set to shine a spotlight on emerging talent and the organisations supporting the next generation of construction professionals.

Generation for Change (G4C) North East and Tees Valley has unveiled the shortlist for its 2026 awards, which celebrate rising professionals and businesses supporting skills development across the region. 

The event, backed by headline sponsor Caddick Construction for the third consecutive year, will take place on May 1 at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.

Part of Constructing Excellence, G4C champions young professionals and promotes continuous improvement across the UK construction sector. 

This year’s awards bring together a range of category sponsors, including Northern Counties Builders Federation, Bowmer + Kirkland, Castle, Northumbrian Water Group, Robertson and RED Engineering.

A standout category is the Future Leader Award, recognising individuals demonstrating strong leadership potential early in their careers. 

The shortlisted finalists are:

• Alanis Burgess - P+HS Architects
• Hannah McRae - Turner & Townsend
• Hollie Laws - Willmott Dixon Construction
• Jack Ibbetson - Wates Construction
• Louis Maw - Gleeds
• Louise Gifford - Link MEP
• Morteza Iranian - Turner & Townsend
• Niamh Kinnaird - Robertson CE

The awards also recognise organisations driving long-term talent development through the Commitment to Employee and Training Development category. 

This year’s shortlisted businesses are:

• Applebridge Family
• Caddick Construction
• Kier Group

Additional categories include Trade Apprentice of the Year, Technical Apprentice of the Year, Student of the Year, Trainee of the Year, New Professional of the Year and Mentor of the Year.

Winners will be announced at the ceremony, bringing together the region’s construction community to celebrate progress, collaboration and future leadership.

Catriona Lingwood, chief executive of Constructing Excellence North East, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a strong shortlist this year, across all categories. 

“The calibre of finalists reflects the strength of our sector and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at the awards.

“A huge thank you to all of our sponsors and we wish everyone nominated the very best of luck on the night. 

“A special thank you to our judges who found it exceptionally tough deciding the shortlist never mind the actual winners, showcasing the exceptional talent coming through across our region.”

Shortlisted nominees can be viewed here.

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